Adjustable spotlight



June 30, 1931.

w. w. GEHERSKY 1,812,290 ADJUSTABLE SPOTLIGHT Filed Nov. 10, 1924 2 Sheets-Shee l June 30, 1931. w w GEHERSKY 1,812 290 ADJUSTABLE SPOTLIGHT .Filed Nov. 10, 1924 2 Sheets-Shee z Ifiveno M Ta Patented June 30, 1931 V UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WILLIAM W. GEHERSKY, OF RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA, ASSIG'ITOR OF ONE-FOURTH "5O FERN EMARD, F LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA ADJUSTABLE SPOTLIGHT Application filed November 10, 1524. Serial No. 748,895.

An object of this invention is to provide a spot light for vehicles that can be attached to the outside of a closed top and that is normally .unlighted; with means in connection therewith for turning the spot light in either a vertical and horizontal arc and simultaneously lighting the lamp connected therewith as itis turned to a desired position either vertically or horizontally or both. That is,

the lamp can first be turned in a horizontal are either to the right or left and then actuated in a vertical are either up or down and vice versa, and lighted as it is turned to a desired position.

An object of the invention is to provide a simple means for lighting a spot light and actuating the mechanism for turning the lamp in a double are.

An object of the invention is to provide a '20 spot light for vehicles that is adapted to'be turned in an arc sidewise as Well as up and down relative to a vehicle with means in connection therewith for actuating the lamp in either are independently of the other.

An object of the invention is to provide a spot light of the hereinbefore defined character that is simple to construct, assemble a d install; that is also durable in construction and use. and effective in operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide an adjustable spot light that can be attachedto the exterior of a vehicle Without exposing the mechanism for actuating the lamp to the weather. To that end, I enclose substantially all of the moving parts within housings and a flexible cable that are impervious. to material penetration of moisture incident to inclement weather. That is, the housings and cable are constructed and ar- 40 ranged to prevent an excessive ingress of moisture from rain and snow.

A feature of theinvention is shown in the novel construction and arrangement of the parts comprising the double clutch, and

means for, operating it to turn the lamp in vertical and horizontal arcs.

Another feature of the invention is shown in the novel construction and arrangement of the double clutch and associated parts in thata knob is first pushed or pulled to move the clutch from a neutral to an engaging position; after which the knob is rotated to actuate the means for turning the lamp in one or the other of the arcs in which it can rotate.

In this respect the invention is broadly new,

basic and pioneer.

Another feature of the invention is shown in the construction and arrangement of the novel gear structure for rotating the lamp in a horizontal arc with means connected therewith for holding the gear structure stationary While the lamp is being rotated in a vertical arc.

This invention relates to improvements over my copending application filed November 26, 1921, Serial Number 517,981.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel spot light which when illuminated will automatically cut the circuit to the lamp thereof when the light is adj usted to an angle or position in which it is deemed by law to be illegal to operate a spot light.

Other objects, advantages and features of invention may appear from the accompanying drawings, the subjoined detailed description and the appended claims.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention.

Figure l is a side view of the adjustable spot light shown attached to a fragmental portion of a vehicle top and dash board.

Fig. 2 is a fragmental section on line :02, Fig. 1, showing a plan view of the lamp and associated parts.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged tragmental section on line :03, Fig. 2 showing the hand knob and associated parts that are adapted to be actuated to control the lamp; parts being shown in a neutral position.

Fig. 4 is a fragmental section on line 004;, Fig. 1, parts shown in a neutral position.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmental section on line 005, Fig. 4, also showing the parts in a neutral position.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged tragmental section on line 026, Fig. a, showing a detail of the two electrical switches and their connection to the housings.

Fig. 7 is a grouped face and plan view of a twin pinion utilized for rotating the lamp in s a horizontal arc.

7 teeth.

Fig. 10 is a grouped face and side view of a pinion secured to the end of a shaft, a portion of which is shown. 1

Fig. 11 is a face View of a gear utilized to turn the lamp in a horizontal arc; and also showing clutch teeth integral with the gear.

Fig. 12 is a planview of-the gear and teeth 1 shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic View of the lamp wiring as attached to a battery.

The adjustable spot light l'is provided with a support 2 that is adapted to be attached by screws 3 to the exterior part of a vehicle top as a bow 4 fragmentally indicated in Figs. 1, 2; it being understood that the support can be attached to any desired or suitable place on a Vehicle.

An arn integral with the support 2 extends outward and is provided with a recessed end that is adapted to be fitted to a similar recessed end on an arm 6 that is integral with a fixed housing 7, and these ends are secured together by a screw 8.

Preferably the ends of the arms are beveled to form extensions 9, 9 that are adapted to extend into beveled recesses in the ends ofthe arms 5, 6 as shown in Fig. 4, so that when fitted together the weight of the housing 7 and associated parts will rest on the beveled ex tensions 9, 9 of the ends and not on the screw 8 that holds them together.

7 The housing 7 is provided with an end plate 10 that is secured in place by stud bolts 11,

and integral with the plate 10 is a cylindrical extension 12 that is adapted to receive a plug 13 that is secured therein by a set screw 14.

The lower end of the plug 13 is internally threaded to receive a housing nipple 15 to which is connected a flexible tube 16. V The other end of the tube 16 is connected to 3 another housing nipple 17 that is threaded into one end of a cylinder 18.

The cylinder 18 is preferably extended through a vertical dashboard 19 fragmentally shown in Figs. 1, 2, and is secured thereto by means of a b-ushing,20 adjustably connected to the cylinder 18 by a set screw 21, and by a clamp plate 22 that is fitted over the bushing flange 23 and secured to the dash board by screws 24.

A hollow stem 25 having a knob 26on one end thereof is slidably mounted in the unthreaded end of the cylinder 18, and the stem is provided with spaced annular recesses 27, 28 and 29, into which a ball 30 is adapted to be'seated to prevent accidental reciprocation of the stem.

The ball :30 is arranged in a set screw 31 that is threaded through the cylinder 18 in position for the spring 32 to force the ball toward the longitudinal axis of the stem 25,

dent; but yields readily when the knob 26 is.

either pushed or pulled to intentionally reciprocate thestem and move it into a position where the ball 30 will seat in one of the recesses 27, 28 or 29.

A cylindrical tip 33 is recessed at 34 and secured in the stem 25 by a set screw 35 and this tip is connected to a flexible coupling 36 that extends through thenipples 15, 17 and tube 16; and on the other end of the coupling 36 is secured a spindle 37 that is provided with a clutch tooth 38, that is normally held in a neutral position when the ball 30 is seated in the recess 27, see Figs. 3, 4, 5. g

The spindle 37 extends loosely through a gear 39 arranged in the housing 7, and integral with this gear is a stem that has clutch teeth 40 arranged on its, upper end in position to beengaged by the tooth 38 when the knob 26 is pulled to actuate the stem 25 and unseat the ball 30 from the neutral recess 27 and seat it in the recess 28.

A worm 41 is loosely mounted on the upper end of the spindle 37' and has a downward extending stem provided with clutch teeth 42, that are adapted to be engaged by the tooth 38 when the knob 26 is pushed to actuate the stem 25 and unseat the ball 30 from the neutral recess 27 and seat it in the recess 29.

In other words when the ball 30 is seated in the recess 27 the tooth 38 is held in a neutral position; and it is engaged with the clutch teeth 40 or 42 by actuation of the knob 26 to seat the ball 30 in one or the other of the recesses 28, 29.

The worm 41 is mounted in'a revolvable housing 43 that has a hollow shaft 44 ex tending downward into a cylinder 45 integral with the housing 7 and the shaft 44 is held seated in the cylinder by means of a set screw 46 that extendsthrough the cylinder into .an annular recess .47 in the shaft 44, see Figs. 4, 5. a

The housing 43 is provided with a. bushing 48 in which the arbor 49 of the worm 41 is journalled. r

A worm gear 50 is secured to a shaft 51 and arranged in the housing 43 in position to be driven by the worm 41 and the shaft 51 is journalled through .a cylindrical extension 52 integral with the housing 43 and this shaft has its other end secured centrally to a cylindrical hollow casing 53 on one end of which the electrical lamp 54 is mounted;

The other end of the casing 53 is, provided with a plug 55 through whichelectrical con nection is made between the lamp 54 and a tal arc.

source of electrical supply such as the battery 56indicated in Fig. 13.

The lamp and plug are old in the art,and are therefore not shown or described in detail; it being understood that any lamp or electrical connection to a source of electricity can be employed.

A pinion 57 is secured to the lower end of the hollow shaft 44 by screws 58 and the teeth of this pinion mesh with the teeth of the smaller member 59 ofa twin pinion that is loosely mounted on a stud 60 in the chamber 61 of the housing 7.

The larger member 62 of the twin pinion has its teeth meshing with the gear 39 thatas previously stated, is loosely mounted on the spindle 37.

The gear 39 is provided with a hollow stem 63 that extends down into a recess 64 in the plate 10, and a spring 65 is arranged in the recess so that it normally holds the gear 39 up against the bottom side of the pinion 57 I in position for the teeth of the gear 39 to engage a side tooth 66 on the pinion 57 and normally hold the train of pinions and gears from rotating when the clutch tooth 38 is disengaged from the clutch teeth 40.

\Vhen the knob 26 is actuated to pull the clutch tooth 38 into engagement with the teeth 40,,which movement also moves the stem 25 so that the annular recess 28 is in position to be engaged by the ball 30, the gear 39 will be forced downward against the tension of the spring 65 a suflicient distance to disengage the tooth 66 from the teeth of the gear 39, and when so disengaged the gear 39 and pinions 57, 59 and 62 can be rotated to turn the housing 43.

In other words the engaging of the clutch teeth 38, 40 frees the gear 89 from the side tooth 66 so that gear 39 can be turned to drive the pinions 57, 59 and 62 when the knob 26 is rotate-d to thereby rotate the shaft 44 on its axis and turn the lamp 54 in a horizon- It is understood that the knob 26 can be rotated in either direction to thereby rotate the lamp 54 either toward the right or the left.

When the knob 26 is actuated to push the clutch tooth 38 into engagement with the clutch teeth 42 the worm 41 can be actuated by rotation of the knob 26 to drive the shaft 51 and thereby move the lamp 54 in a vertical are, either up or down as may be desired.

' The lamp 54 is preferably connected at one terminal by a wire 77 to some source of electrical energy such as .the battery 56 and if desired a push button switch 82 may be secured to the dash board 19 and interpo ed in wire 77 between the lamp and battery as indicated in Figs. 1, 2 and 13.

The other terminal of the lamp 54 is connected by a ground wire 76 that is connected by leads 74 to an electrical switch 67 arranged on the shaft 51 and to a switch 7 5 mounted on the housing 43.

With the switch 82 in circuit closing position the lamp 54 will be lighted whenever either the switch 67 or switch is in circuit closing position.

The switch 67 comprises a ring band 68 that is fixed to and adjustable on the shaft 51 and the band 68 is fixed in adjusted position by a set screw 69. An insulation block 7 O is secured to the band 68 and is adapted in predetermined vertical positions of the lamp 54 to open the circuit through the switch 67 by holding out of engagement with the band 68 a spring terminal 71, which is c011- nected to one of the leads 74 of ground wire 76 and is secured by a screw 72 to an insulation block 73 on extension 52.

The switch 75 comprises a spring terminal 78 that is connected to one of the leads 74 of ground wire 76 and said terminal is secured by a screw 79 to an insulation block 80 on housing 43. The terminal 78 is arranged to extend into a recess 81 cut out of housing 43 and the top end of the cylinder 45 so that terminal 78 may contact with cylinder 45 and thereby complete the ground circuit of the lamp when the same is moved in a predetermined horizontal position.

When the lamp 54 is moved in a vertical arc in either direction a sufiicient distance for the block 7 O to engage the spring terminal 71 and hold the same out of engagement with the band 68, the switch 67 will be open. However, the circuit will be ground through switch 75 as long as terminal 78 is in engagement with the top of cylinder 45. When terminal 71 is held out of engagement with the band 68 and the terminal 78 is in the recess 81 and out of engagement with the cylinder 45, the ground circuit to the lamp will be open.

The ring band 68 and recess 81 are so positioned on the device that it is only when the lamp is moved into predetermined horizontal and vertical positions in which it is deemed by law to be illegal to operate the lamp that the ground circuit will be broken so that the lamp cannot be operated.

The unlighted position of the lamp relative to its vertical arc movement is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 6 by the line a, b and will not be in its lighted position until moved dognward to a position indicated by the line 0,

In other words the lamp when positioned so as to direct rays of light on a plane indicated by line a, b the lamp will be unlighted providing spring terminal 78 is in recess 81 and the parts are adapted and arranged so that when the lamp is tilted downward about 15 degrees it will be illuminated and the light directed toward the ground about forty feet in front of a car to which it is attached. It is understood, of course, that this distance can be increased or decreased by an adjustment of the ring band 68. j I

The positions of thelamp atwhich the ground circuit will be broken may be generally'stated as those which would direct the rays of light from lamp 54 into the eyes of an approaching motorist. However, if the lamp moved beyond such positions as would likely interfere with the vision of an approaching motorist the ground circuit will be closed andthe lamp lighted.

It is'apparent that if this cut out feature is not desired the insulation block may be moved out of the way on theupper side of shaft 51 so that the spring terminal 71 will be in engagement with the band 68 at practically all positions at which the spot light is desired to be operated.

In operation the parts are arranged as described with the knob 26 in neutral position and the clutch tooth 38 out of engagement with both the worm and gear clutch te th and the circuit tothe lamp broken by the dash switch 82.

The lamp may be lighted by simply closingthe switch 82.

If it is desired to adjust the direction of the spot-light'in front of the car an operator can do so by pushing on the-knob 26 and rotating the knob to the left which through the worm drive will'move the lamp downward or if the knob 26 is rotated to the right, the lamp will be moved upward. V

To direct the light toward the side of a vehicle the knob is pulled outward and then rotated in either direction as may be desired.

In order to accommodate and make it convenient for a driver to operate the lamp the knob is preferably mounted aslant to the vehicle dash board as'shown.

It is understood that the angle in which the light will be automatically cut oil" will be such angle in which it is illegal to operate a spot light according to the laws of the various States and such angle may be adjusted by moving the ring-68 or by increasing or decreasing the strip of insulation 70 on said ring.

From the foregoing it will be seen that when the spot light is illuminated and oper ated at an angle movement of the vertical adjusting means will cause the insulation 70 to be moved in unison with the hollow casing and by adjusting the insulation 70 the cir cuit tothe lamp 54- will be broken through switch 6"? when the light is elevated to a predetermined position in whichoperation of the lamp would be illegal.

However, if the horizontal adjusting means are operated the spring terminal T8 of the switch 75 will contact with the housing 4-5 and close the circuit to the light so that it may be operated at any vertical angle when it is-turned so that its rays of light will not the exterior be in a direct forward'path so as to glare into the eyes of an approaching motorist.

.From the foregoing it is apparent that the shaftbl comprises a primary stem of the lamp body and that the housing 43 comprises a secondarystem on which the primary stem is pivotally supported and the support 2 and cylinder 45 are a fixed support on which the secondary stem is pivotally mounted; Each about both pivots to any position within the ranges respectively predetermined by the angular extent and distribution of said insulated areas. 1

l claimi The adjustable spot light set forth comprising a support adapted to be connected to of a vehicle top; a lamp connected to support for swinging movements in vertical and horizontal arcs; a worm drive for moving said lamp inthe vertical arc; a gear and pinion drive separate from the worm drive for moving saidla-mp in the horizontal are; a clutch interposed between said drives that is disengaged from said drives when the clutch is held in a-neutral position; and means within the vehicle that is adapted to move said clutch into engagement with either of said drives to thus actuate one or the other of said drives. 7

The spot light set forth comprising a support adapted to be detachably connected to the exterior of a vehicle top; a fixed housdetachably connected to said support; a revolvable housing connectedto said fixed housing; a shaft in said revolvable housing; a lamp fixed to one end of said shaft; a worm drive for actuating said shaft to turn said lamp in a vertical are; age-ar and pinion drive in said fixed housing and separate from the worm drive for turningsaid lamp in a horizontal arc; a knob adaptedto be mounted for operation from within the vehicle; and a coupling for independently connecting said knob with either ofsaid drives and adapted to actuate said drives to move said lamp invertical and horizontal arcs depending upon the drive engaged.

8. support'adapted to be connected to the exterior of a vehicle; a fixed housing detachably connected to said support; a revolvable housing connected to said fixed housing; a shaft in said revolvable housing; a lamp fixed to said The spot'lights'et forth comprising a shaft; a worm drive for actuating said shaft to turn said lamp in a vertical arc; clutch teeth connected to the worm of said drive; a gear and pinion drive for turning said lamp in a horizontal are; other clutch teeth connected to the gear of said gear and pinion drive; a clutch tooth interposed between said drives and adapted to be engaged with the teeth thereof; a knob arranged within a vehicle; and a flexible coupling forming an actuating connection between said knob and drives that is adapted to move said clutch tooth into engagement with the clutch teeth of said drives.

4. The spot light set forth comprising a support adapted to be connected to a vehicle; a fixed housing and a movable housing connected to said support; a shaft in said movable housing; a lamp fixed to said shaft; a worm drive in said movable housing for actuating said shaft to turn said lamp in a vertical are; a gear and pinion drive in said fixed housing for turning said lamp in a horizontal are; a clutch interposed between said drives; a knob arranged within a vehicle; and a coupling extending from said knob to said drives that is adapted to be operated to engage said clutch and actuate said drives to move said lamp in vertical and horizontal arcs.

5. The spot light set forth comprising a support adapted to be connected to a vehicle; a fixed housing and a movable housing connected to said support; a shaft in said movable housing; a lamp fixed to said shaft; a worm drive in said movable housing for actuating said shaft to turn said lamp in a vertical arc; a gear and pinion drive in said fixed housing for turning said lamp in a horizontal are; a clutch interposed between said drives; a knob arranged within a vehicle; a coupling extending from said knob to said drives that is adapted to be operated to engage said clutch and actuate said drives to move said lamp in vertical and horizontal arcs; and means connected with said knob for normally holding said clutch in a neutral position.

6. The spot light set forth comprising a lamp; a worm and gear that are connected with drives adapted to move said lamp in vertical and horizontal arcs; a spindle on which said worm and gear are loosely mounted; a clutch interposed between said worm and gear; a flexible coupling having one end secured to said spindle; a stem to which the other end of said coupling is secured; a knob for actuating said coupling to engage said clutch and rotate said worm and gear to move said lamp in vertical and horizontal arcs; and means connected with said stem for normally holding said clutch in a neutral position.

7. The spot light set forth comprising a lamp that is unlighted in a predetermined angular position; a worm and gear that are connected with drives adapted to move said lamp in vertical and horizontal arcs; a spindle on which said worm and gear are loosely mounted; a clutch interposed between said worm and gear; a flexible coupling having one end attached to said spindle; a stem to which the other end of said coupling; is secured; a knob integral with said stem for actuating said coupling to engage said clutch and rotate said worm and gear to move said lamp in vertical and horizontal arcs: means connected with said stem for normally holding said clutch in a neutral position; and means whereby said lamp lighted when moved by said worm or gear from said predetermined angular position.

8. The adjustable spot light set forth in combination with, a knob adapted to be operated to adjust the spot light to a predetermined position; a stem integral with said knob that has spaced annular recesses; a cylinder into which said stem is adapted to slide and be rotated on its axis: a bushing in which said cylinder is adjustably mounted; means for attaching said bushing to a vehicle dash board; an adjustable hollow screw in said cylinder; a ball carried by said screw; and a spring carried by said screw for forcing said ball toward the longitudinal axis of said cylinder so that said ball can be seated in the annular recesses of said stem to yieldingly hold the stem from accidental endwise displacement.

9. In a spot light of the character described, a housing adapted to be fired to a vehicle; a housing revolvably mounted in said fixed housing; a lamp connected to said revolvable housing; means to move said lamp in a vertical arc and comprising a stem h aving clutch teeth; means to move said lamp in a horizontal arc and comprising a stem having clutch teeth; a flexible shaft adapted for endwise and rotary movement; and aclutch tooth on said shaft adapted and arranged to engage the clutch teeth on one of said stems when said shaft is moved endwise in one direction and to engage the clutch teeth on the other of said stems when moved in the other direction.

10. The adjustable spot light set forth comprising a lamp; a shaft upon which said lamp is mounted; means to rotate said shaft to adjust said lamp; an electric circuit connected to said lamp; and electric switch means operable by the adjustment of said lamp adapted to open the circuit to said lamp while the lamp is passing through a predetermined arc and to close the circuit after said are is passed, said switch means including a ring on said shaft, a stationary contact adapted to engage said ring to ground the circuit to the lamp, and an insulation block on said ring adapted to hold said stationary contact away from the ring during operation of said lamp over a predetermined arc.

11. The adjustable spot light set forth" comprising a lamp; a shaft upon which said lamp is mounted; means to rotate saidshaft to adjust said lamp; an electric circuitconnected to said lamp; electric switch means operable by the adjustment of said lamp adapted to open the circuit to said lamp while the lamp is passing through apredetermined arc and to close the circuitvafter said are is passed, said switch means includ ing a r1ng on said shaft, a stationary contact adapted'to engage said ring-to ground the circuit to the lamp, and an insulation block on said ring adapted to hold said stationary contact away from the ring during operation of said lamp over a predetermined arc; and a second switch means including a contact adapted to open and close the circuit to said lamp when the lamp is moved in a horizontal plane. J V

12. In a device of the character set forth, a supporthaving a cylinder provided with a a recess; a member pivoted to said support,- a lamp fixed to a shaft pivoted to said member; a band adjustably connected to said shaft; an insulationblock on said band; a terminal adapted to be engaged by said block; another terminal connected to said member and adapted to be received insaid recess and to engage'said cylinder; and an electrical circuit so connected to said lamp and terminals that when said terminals are respectively engaged by said block and received in said recess the circuit willbe open and at all other times'closed; I

13. In a device of the character set forth,

a fixed support; a member pivoted to said support; a lamp pivoted to said'member; drive means to rotate said member in said support comprising a gear adaptedfor move ment along its axis; means driven by said gear to rotate said member; a side tooth adapted to" normally engage said gear and prevent rotation of said gear; and means for disengaging said gear and side'tooth andfor I rotating said gear to rotate said member and lamp.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand at Los Angeles, California,- this 1st day of November, 1924.

' WILLIAM W. GEHERSKY. 

